Banamali Sarkar’s Shiva Temple

Did the shimmering waters of the Narmada River cradle the very stone that rests within Banamali Sarkar’s Shiva Temple? We stand before this terracotta marvel, one of only two such temples surviving in Kolkata. Banamali Sarkar’s Shiva Temple whispers tales of a bygone era, a time when intricate terracotta tiles adorned temples across Bengal. These tiles narrated epic tales, scenes of daily life, and historic events. The relentless march of time has erased many of these treasures, but Banamali Sarkar’s Shiva Temple remains, a testament to Bengal’s rich artistic heritage. This temple, likely constructed around 1740-1750, echoes the grandeur of Bonomali Sarkar’s own palatial house, built in the same Kumortuli neighborhood during that period. Bonomali Sarkar, Dewan to the East India Company’s Commercial Resident in Patna, amassed considerable wealth. This allowed him to build a magnificent home and two temples. Sadly, only the Banamali Sarkar’s Shiva Temple survives. The temple’s aatchala structure, with its eight sloping roofs, once measured approximately 22 feet by 19.5 feet and rose to a height of 35 feet. Inside, the lingam, crafted from the precious kashti pathar, or Touchstone, stands as a testament to the temple’s reverence. Time has taken its toll. The terracotta figures described by David McCutchion in 1966, depicting yogis, women with nose rings, and deities like Narasingha, are now mere fragments. A tree, its roots embracing the temple’s spire, further obscures these remnants. Even the entrance has shifted. The original southern entrance now lies behind a wall. A small door on the west side provides the current access. The interior, once vibrant, now bears the marks of neglect. Plaster peels from the walls, cobwebs gather in corners, and a damp, green slime coats the floor. The Biswas family, current owners of Banamali Sarkar’s Shiva Temple, hold the key to its history. But they guard this information closely. A local municipal councilor has promised renovations. However, this well-intentioned act could erase the temple’s terracotta heritage, mirroring the fate of the historic Firinghi Kalibari. Banamali Sarkar’s Shiva Temple stands at a crossroads. Will it be preserved as a testament to Kolkata’s rich past, or will it succumb to the march of progress, losing its unique character forever? Let us cherish this terracotta treasure while we can, for its future remains uncertain.